Erté, also known as Romain de Tirtoff, was a Russian-born French artist and designer. He was born on November 23, 1892, in Saint Petersburg, Russia, and passed away on April 21, 1990, in Paris, France. Erté is best known for his elegant and glamorous fashion and costume designs, as well as his contributions to the Art Deco movement.

Erté's career spanned several decades, and he worked in various artistic fields, including fashion illustration, costume design, jewelry, sculpture, and set design for theater and film. He gained recognition for his distinctive style characterized by elongated figures, intricate details, and bold use of geometric shapes and patterns. Erté's work often portrayed women as sophisticated and glamorous, reflecting the spirit of the Roaring Twenties and the Jazz Age.

During the early 20th century, Erté's fashion illustrations appeared in prestigious magazines such as Harper's Bazaar, Vogue, and Cosmopolitan. He collaborated with many renowned fashion designers, including Paul Poiret, and his designs were highly sought after by wealthy and fashionable individuals of the time. Erté's creations combined influences from various cultures, such as Ancient Egypt, Byzantine art, and Orientalism, resulting in a unique and timeless aesthetic.

In addition to his fashion and costume designs, Erté also created sets and costumes for numerous productions, including operas, ballets, and theater plays. His work extended to Hollywood, where he contributed to films such as "Ben-Hur" (1925) and "The Mystic" (1925). Erté's designs continue to inspire artists, fashion designers, and performers to this day, leaving a lasting impact on the world of art and design.

Erté's legacy lives on through exhibitions and retrospectives held worldwide, showcasing his remarkable body of work. His contributions to the Art Deco movement, his innovative approach to design, and his ability to capture the spirit of his time have secured his place as one of the most influential artists of the 20th century.